The replica trophy, which was supposed to go on display at Tiffany, 715 N. Michigan Ave., has been missing since May 28 when it was shipped from Newark, N.J., to Chicago.

A driver for the transportation company saw that a padlock for the case holding the trophy was open and noted this on the air bill.

"When they (Tiffany) got it, the trophy was missing," said Patrick Camden, spokesman for the Chicago police.

On Monday, Tiffany in Chicago filed a police report, and the case has been under investigation since. Word got out this week, and for the last few days Tiffany has fielded dozens of phone calls from fans concerned that the winners will be left empty-handed.

"There has been concern about the confusion between the display trophy and the actual 1996 trophy, and, of course, sports fans want to make sure the winning team gets the trophy," said Fernanda Gilligan, senior vice president of Tiffany & Co.

Actually, there are three 1996 championship trophies--the one the winning team is awarded, a replica that also goes to the team, and a second replica that is put on display by Tiffany.

It is Replica No. 2 that is missing.

Bulls fans should rest assured: The actual trophy and Replica No. 1 are safe with the NBA in Seattle.

There is little difference between the actual trophy and its missing twin.

"Both are sterling silver and have an outlaying of gold," said Barbara Corvino, director of public relations for Tiffany.

Teri Washington, a spokeswoman for the NBA, isn't so sure.

"One is definitely bigger in size," Washington said.

Gilligan and others at Tiffany are crossing their fingers.

"We do hope and believe that the police will be successful," Gilligan said. "And it only validates how important the NBA trophy it is."